Soccer kicks off in NYC

By Magdalene Perez | Special to amNewYork

August 17, 2007

There's no disputing it, soccer is finally catching on in New York.

Everywhere you look there are signs, from the crowded pubs during last summer's World Cup to coed leagues popping up like so many spring flowers.

So it's no surprise the city is primed to watch the first game this Saturday pitting the New York Red Bulls against the Los Angeles Galaxy and its newly acquired $100 million mega-athlete, David Beckham.

More than a week before the match at Giants Stadium, the Red Bulls had already sold more than 50,000 tickets, an "unprecedented" number, said team spokesman Eric Tosi.

And that's despite the fact that Beckham is recovering from an ankle injury and may sit on the sidelines.

Even if you're not clamoring to glimpse the British midfielder, there are plenty of places to watch and play soccer in the city, whether you're a longtime footie or new to the game. Here's a list of some of the best citywide.

Where to watch
Nevada Smiths
Other pubs may tune in every four years during the World Cup, but no bar rivals Nevada Smiths in its 24/7 devotion to soccer. During big international tournaments, this East Village dive gets so full, bouncers have to turn jersey-clad fanatics away. Arrive early for the game, and soon you'll be in adrenaline-filled, beer-sloshing soccer heaven.
74 Third Ave. at 12th St.
212-982-2591

Mr. Dennehy's
This West Village bar has soccer in its DNA. Not only do seven plasma-screen TVs channel American, European and Latin-American matches from morning to night, but the staff even has its own team. Catch a game and enjoy an impeccable menu that transcends bar food status quo.
63 Carmine St. at Seventh Ave.
212-414-1223

The Starting Gate
Fans of U.K. soccer won't miss a single match at this Queens pub, where major cable feeds keep the games coming from 7 a.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings. Oh, and they tune in to American soccer, too.
59-10 Woodside Ave. at 61st St.
718-429-9269

Floyd